[Transurethral resection of the prostate and current modifications (bipolar, electrovaporization)]

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the surgical standard which is truly minimally invasive by using a natural orifice and is also of durable efficacy. The use of TURP removes tissue from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and leads to clinically relevant improvement in symptoms and quality of life as well as in micturition parameters and obstruction. Tissue is removed by high frequency (HF) current with synchronous hemostasis. Many modifications of TURP, such as the use of video, have become generally accepted and improved the standard. Other modifications were developed because the balance between cutting and hemostasis needed improvement in favor of hemostasis. Several modifications of TURP, such as modulation of HF pulses, band loops and bipolar resection and new procedures, such as vaporization and enucleation showed improved hemostasis. These modifications and procedures, however, have not yet replaced standard TURP but have become established as additional options.